OM, I've become a Zuikoholic!

[pggunn]

wgerrard, didn't mean to skip you! About the collective's regeneration chambers - do they pump rodinal through your system?

[venchka]

A Harrison tent, a Jobo 2551/2553 tank and reels, a Uniroller or Beseler motor base, a wine box full of Xtol and two bottles of Rodinal. That's all you need. OK, fix & Photo-Flo.

Let the tank-reels & chemical flame wars begin.

[newspaperguy]

Had five, sold three, but can't quit.
Just got another OM-1n that is on
its way to John H for an overhaul.
(Camtech doesn't do just a CLA.)

Still shooting a black OM-2n and a
B&W Cobra skinned OM-1 MD that
Dr Hermanson upgraded.

PS - I'm a big fan of the 100/2.8, too.

[nrb]

The 85/2 is an excellent lens too.

[Kent]

OM Zuiko lenses are really great!

My favs are the 3.5/28 and the 1.4/50, excellent price/performance value.
The 3.5/135 is also very good.

[John Hermanson]

I just bought an OM collection, mostly lenses, some new, some very lightly used. Some of these were used in Olympus VIP loaner program, some have small ID numbers etched into lens hood or filter ring. 350 2.8, 180 f2, 180 2.8, 24mm shift, 35-80 f2.8, 35-70 (om-2000 version), 70-210mm (cosina), 24 f2, 28 f2, 80mm f4 auto macro etc. Write me directly with wants if any. Some items have pre-sold, I'll put a complete list on my site. Thanks, John, omtech1@verizon.net

[shadowfox]

Ahhh, a family gathering!

How can I not join in ...

OM3 + Zuiko 35/2 + FP4 + Rodinal = Bliss...



We need to get a conference going

[coelacanth]

Hello Zuikoholics,

I've got 24/2.8, 35/2.8, 50mm/1.4, 50/1.8, 85/2.0. What would be your next Zuiko? I'm thinking of 100mm or 135mm, but I like surprises, too.

[ferider]

135/{2.8,3.5} ... or try the 200/5. A very cute lens and good performer.

[Trius]

Originally Posted by coelacanth

Hello Zuikoholics,

I've got 24/2.8, 35/2.8, 50mm/1.4, 50/1.8, 85/2.0. What would be your next Zuiko? I'm thinking of 100mm or 135mm, but I like surprises, too.

300/4.5 Helluva fun lens.

[pggunn]

I'm probably going for the 100/2.8 next. Would rather have the 85/2 but have to watch my budget before I run out of GAS, or more likely money. The 50/1.4 should be here tomorrow and a 28/2.8 on Friday, but still hope to get a 28/2 if the opportunity presents itself. Will probably keep the 50 on the OM2 and the 28 on the OM1. So maybe I should just go ahead and get an OM3 or 4 for the 100! I should be able to swing it if I just eat every other day.

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Originally Posted by pggunn

I'm probably going for the 100/2.8 next. Would rather have the 85/2 but have to watch my budget before I run out of GAS, or more likely money. The 50/1.4 should be here tomorrow and a 28/2.8 on Friday, but still hope to get a 28/2 if the opportunity presents itself. Will probably keep the 50 on the OM2 and the 28 on the OM1. So maybe I should just go ahead and get an OM3 or 4 for the 100! I should be able to swing it if I just eat every other day.

Skip the OM-3 and get an OM-4 or 4Ti. The OM-3 is disgustingly overpriced due to collectors hording them. The OM-4 and 4Ti do everything the 3 does, plus autoexposure if you want it. Even if you never use auto, you can leave the 4 in manual mode and it is a far less costly camera than an OM-3.

[Trius]

What Chris said. I would love to have an OM-3, but being the idiot I am, I didn't buy it when it was released and reasonably priced. FWIW, my opinion is that a late OM4 or OM4 with updated circuit is prefereable to the OM-4T/i. Same performance, lower price, the titanium top and bottom plates don't buy you much.

[pggunn]

Thanks Chris. I haven't looked at prices on the OM3 or 4 and I've still got a lot to learn. I'm not likely to get another one real soon, but I'm pretty sure I will in the future. I would like to have an OM4T. So far I'm loving the OM2 and looking forward to putting a 28 on the OM1.

I've only shot two rolls so far with the OM2 and the local Walgreen's ruined the first one - 36 exposures, XP2. D'oh! They claimed they had problems getting the film out of the cassette. I was disappointed because, of course, that was the one where I was really in the zone and the light was good. I guess that's the photographer's equivalent of the one that got away.

The Kodak Portra 160 VC came out okay, but contrary to the forecast that evening the sky clouded up and I really needed 400 speed in the shady arboretum I found myself in. I got a few okay shots at f/1.8, but to be honest, it's more likely that most of the problem was behind the camera - me! Will post a few this weekend. I've got in-laws here this week and won't have much free time until the weekend.

Take care.

Greg

[coelacanth]

Wow. 200mm lens with 49mm filter. I love OM system so much.

Since I'm quite happy with my 85mm, probably I should try 135mm before 100mm. And maybe that 200mm/5.

And I'll still look for another black OM-1n...

Ahh, long journey ahead.

[pggunn]

Hi Trius,

I posted before I saw your comment on the OM4 vs OM4T/i. It's like I said, I've still got a lot to learn. I'm lucky there are so many knowledgeable OM people here.

And Dan,

The three primes you mentioned are what I'm starting out with. And I'm grateful for the bright viewfinder as well. I should have listened to my mother when she told me I'd ruin my eyes reading so much in dim light!

Take care guys and thanks for the info.

Greg

[kemal_mumcu]

I always come back to this system. I wonder if one day someone could come out with a full frame retro body that would directly take OM glass. Probably not.

We should start a thread - "Show your Zuiko" I love how mine is slowly brassing around the edges. Sorry collectors.

[coelacanth]

Here is a shot with 50mm/1.4

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by Chriscrawfordphoto

Skip the OM-3 and get an OM-4 or 4Ti. The OM-3 is disgustingly overpriced due to collectors hording them. The OM-4 and 4Ti do everything the 3 does, plus autoexposure if you want it. Even if you never use auto, you can leave the 4 in manual mode and it is a far less costly camera than an OM-3.

Hey, watch it! I'm no collector and I got the OM-3 fair and square through being patient and some successful trades.

Don't ever give up working your way to get the camera that you really want. There is a will, there is a way, they say.

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by kemal_mumcu

That is just gorgeous!

[shadowfox]

Originally Posted by ferider

135/{2.8,3.5} ...

Hmm... I'm pretty sure this is not the first time we are considering a common lens

Which one would you pick if you can only get one, the f/3.5 or 2.8? and why.

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Originally Posted by shadowfox

Hmm... I'm pretty sure this is not the first time we are considering a common lens

Which one would you pick if you can only get one, the f/3.5 or 2.8? and why.

I have the 3.5 and it is TINY, sharp, and cheap. The 2.8 is bigger and costs a lot more for a half-stop of speed. I have not shot one so I do not know if the image quality is better or worse, but the 3.5 is good.

[nightfly]

OK, you guys got me. What's a good starter body? Black preferably. Meter and hot shoe optional. My dads got an old OM2 I could borrow think it just needs a battery to function, but would want my own body. He's got a 50 1.4 too I'd like to play with.

[D.O'K.]

The OM1n.

Excellent ergonomics, very bright lifesize-magnification viewfinder, simple (purely mechanical save for the meter), elegant: the absolute classic.

Moreover despite all this (and more) OM1n bodies are amazingly plentiful and cheap.

The proper mercury battery for the meter is no longer obtainable, but a variety of suitable alternatives are available for modest cost (e.g. the CRISCAM adapter, weincells, or a simple "repair" job to modify the body for modern batteries).

Regards,
D.

[nightfly]

Beautiful shot. Which lens?

You can use Zuiko glass on a 5D with an adapter. Not a direct mount but people get nice results.

Originally Posted by kemal_mumcu

I always come back to this system. I wonder if one day someone could come out with a full frame retro body that would directly take OM glass. Probably not.